North American e-bike regulations allow a higher power limit of 750W, which has resulted in an amazingly diverse field of super powerful e-bikes. However, that also means there’s a push towards the extra heavy end of the spectrum. But as a nice break from the race to more power, now that I’ve been testing the lightweight Ride1Up Roadster V3 for several weeks, I’m glad to finally be back on a lighter and more efficient ride that reminds me of the simpler times.
Ride1Up Roadster V3 Video Review
Ride1Up Roadster V3 Tech Specs
Motor: 500W and 50Nm rear hub motor from MiVice
Top speed: 28 mph (45 km/h) on pedal assist or 20 mph (32 km/h) on throttle
Range: 20-40 miles (32-64 km)
Battery: 36V 10Ah (360Wh) UL-certified with Samsung 50GB cells
Weight: 39 lb (17.7 kg)
Load Capacity: 300 lb (136 kg)
Frame: Aluminum alloy 6061
Brakes: Tektro hydraulic dual-piston disc brakes
Extras: Available as single-speed Dayco belt drive or 10-speed with Shimano Deore drivetrain, new color LCD display with built-in throttle and speedometer, battery gauge, PAS level indicator, three frame sizes available and a wide range of accessories
The Ride1Up Roadster V3 feels like a return to classic cycling, but on an e-bike. That means you don’t get massive rubber and unlimited watts to shred that rubber, and instead you’ve got a bike that looks a lot more like what your parents probably rode back in the day (or at least what MY parents rode).
It’s a basic-looking diamond frame without many obvious thrills beyond the beautifully smoothed welds and minimalist design. But if you look a bit deeper, you’ll find a number of major improvements.
First off, the electric system is completely overhauled compared to the Roadster V2. This time we’ve got a new MiVice motor, which is a much higher quality piece of gear. I visited the Mivice factory earlier this year, and their dedication to precision and quality manufacturing is impressive.
The bike also benefits from Mivice’s torque sensor and controller, adding even more quality electronics to the bike. While 500W might not sound like much compared to today’s 500W e-bikes, it feels much more powerful on such a lightweight e-bike. And ultimately, this bike is designed for commuting, not racing, so the medium power level is fitting.
The battery gets a big upgrade too, with nearly 50% more capacity. The new 360Wh battery will offer nearly 40 miles (64 km) of range on pedal assist, though not if you’re flying at the top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h) all the time.
If you use the new throttle, which is slickly built into the handlebar display, you might find that a range of closer to 15-20 miles is achievable under less-than-ideal conditions (and a bit more if you ride slower or more efficiently with occasional pedaling). The best way to ride the bike, in my opinion, is with a combination of throttle and pedal assist. The torque sensor makes it a dream to pedal, but I’ll admit to being happy to have that throttle at times when I’m not feeling my strongest.
I’m glad to see that the battery is UL-certified too, since this is becoming a key litmus test for many riders who want to ensure the battery meets higher safety standards.
We’ve got a choice in pedal drivetrains between two slick options. I’ve been testing the single-speed belt drive setup that uses a Dayco belt, but you can also opt for a 10-speed with a Shimano Deore transmission.
I like single-speed e-bikes (likely because I live in a flat coastal area), but I understand that many folks don’t want to be stuck to a single gear ratio – especially not at the bottom of a hill. The throttle is helpful for those times that you long for a lower gear, and so I think the belt drive will actually be sufficient for many people. But it’s still nice to know that the 10-speed option is there for those who really want the option to shift.
And those folks will be happy to see a good quality transmission too, not some bottom basement hardware that simply fulfills the role. That Shimano Deore setup is going to stay in tune better and lead to less maintenance over time, though the belt drive is of course the even lower maintenance option.
The included hydraulic disc brakes also mean less routine maintenance since you don’t have to occasionally adjust your brake cables due to stretch. Hydraulic brakes basically stay tuned until you’ve finally worn out the pads and need to replace them, which will eventually happen on mechanical disc brakes too, but the latter has a lot more maintenance required before you get to that step. Sure, one day you may need to top up or swap fluid, but that’s a long way away for most people – and some people may never ride their bike long enough to ever need to worry about that step.
For the price of $1,295, you’re getting some incredible value here. A lightweight, torque sensor-enabled 28 mph e-bike with a quality transmission or a belt-drive single-speed setup from a major manufacturer, key safety compliance, and free shipping—that’s a lot of bang for your buck!
And the fact that there are also three frame sizes available for a better fit, plus two different colors, are both key upgrades you won’t find from several other value-priced commuter e-bikes.
That being said, no e-bike is perfect and that includes the new Ride1Up Roadster V3. Below are a few of my complaints.
What are the downsides of the Ride1Up Roadster V3?
I always loved how lightweight the Roadster series has been, but I was surprised to find that the V3 got a bit chunkier this time. At 39 lb, it’s still very lightweight compared to most e-bikes on the market, but the previous model was around 5 lb lighter and so you tend to miss the old model’s lower weight on your shoulder when carrying it up a flight of stairs or onto a subway, for example.
On the other hand, I know where that weight came from, and I accept it. In the past, I pined for more battery (and to make it removable), included LED lights, included fenders, and other features that would improve the bike’s usability. Now that they’ve given me all of that, I can’t really complain about the weight that comes along with those components, can I?
Of course the bike also lacks suspension, which I don’t really mind personally, but I know will be a deal breaker for some folks who tend to remind me how important that is for riders without the same vertebrae integrity they had in their youth. Sure, I understand that. And that’s why I’m glad there are so many e-bike styles out there today so folks can choose the one that fits them and their type of riding best. This is definitely not a bike for someone who wants fatter tires and built-in suspension, that’s for sure. This is a lightweight and speedy commuter that has a bit of a hard saddle for a rider who’s used to a bit of a harder ride than those comfortable cruisers can offer.
Sum it all up for me?
In short, the Ride1Up Roadster V3 is an excellent choice for someone who wants a fairly lightweight and medium powered electric bike, and also wants some pretty darn good components for the price.
It won’t rival a Specialized or a Trek, but it also costs a small fraction of the price of those nicer brands, while still giving riders good quality components.
The bike is well made and rides like some real thought was put into it – which is becoming a rarity these days among value-priced brands known for cutting corners on design. The bike even rides incredibly well hands-free, which is a hallmark of proper geometry and design.
It might leave some folks wanting more, especially those who have gotten used to maxing out the allowable performance limits of North American e-bikes, but I’m happy to ride the bike at modest power levels and torque figures because it just feels like the kind of ride I want on a relaxing commute, not on a furious race to work. There are other bikes with more power and bigger batteries, and you should choose one of those if that’s your goal. The Ride1Up Roadster V3 bike is meant more for a rider who puts a premium on design, handling, components, and, above all else, value.
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Lease deals get all the hype, but most people still want to own the car after they’re done making all those payments on it. If that sounds like you, and you’ve been waiting for the interest rates on auto loans to drop, you’re in luck: there are a bunch of great plug-in cars you can buy with 0% financing this March … and that includes a zero percent Tesla deal!
UPDATE: some American icons return to the list, and we’ve got more bonus cash offers, too!
I’ve done a couple of these now, so you probably already know that there were plenty of ways for me to present this information. “Best EVs ..?” Too opinion based. “Cheapest EVs ..?” Too much research. In the end, I went with alphabetical order, by make. And, as for which deals are new this month? You’re just gonna have to read the article. Enjoy!
Acura ZDX
2024 Acura ZDX; via Acura.
The 2024 Acura ZDX uses a GM Ultium battery and drive motors, but the styling, interior, and infotainment software are all Honda. That means you’ll get a solidly-built EV with GM levels of parts support and Honda levels of fit, finish, and quality control. All that plus Apple CarPlay and 0% financing for up to 72 months makes the ZDX one the best sporty crossover deals in the business.
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All the electric Chevy EVs (again)
Silverado EV, Equinox EV, and Blazer EV at a Tesla Supercharger; via GM.
As the auto industry transitions to electric, Dodge is hoping that at least a few muscle car enthusiasts with extra cash, will find their way to a Dodge store and ask for the meanest, loudest, tire-shreddingest thing on the lot.
These days, that’s the new electric Charger – and you still owed money on the Hemi you just totaled, Dodge will help get the deal done on its latest retrotastic ride with a $3,000 rebate plus 0% financing for up to 72 months!
Ford Mustang Mach-E
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Bronze edition; via Ford.
This month, you can get a killer deal on a new 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E (shown, above). Through March 31st, you can get $2,500 in bonus cash, a free L2 home charger installed, plus 0% financing for up to 72 months. Tesla owners can also get an additional $1,000 in conquest cash, bringing the hood money total to $3,500.
The biggest Ultium-based EVs from GM’s commercial truck brand are seriously impressive machines, with shockingly quick acceleration and on-road handling that seems to defy the laws of physics once you understand that these are, essentially, medium-duty trucks. This month, GMC is doing its best to move out its existing inventory of 2024s, so if you’re a fan of heavy metal you’ll definitely want to stop by your local GMC dealer and give the Hummer EV and Sierra Denali EV a test drive.
Honda Prologue
2024 Honda Prologue; via Honda.
Despite the Honda Prologue was one of the top-selling electric crossovers last year by combining GM’s excellent Ultium platform with Honda sensibilities and Apple CarPlay, Honda upgraded the 2025 model with slightly more EPA range. Even so, there’s still some remaining 2024 inventory out there and dealers are ready to deal (that’s what they do, after all). To make room for the 2025 models, Honda is offering 0% APR for up to 72 months on the remaining 2024s.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
IONIQ 5 record-setting performance; via Hyundai.
Hyundai is still offering 0% financing for 60 months on all versions of the hot-selling 2024 IONIQ 5 crossover, making it hard to overlook in the five-passenger segment. It’s worth noting that Hyundai is also offering the 5 with $7,500 bonus cash in select markets, but that offer can’t be stacked with the 0%, so do some math before deciding which way you want to go.
The Niro’s bigger siblings are getting the 0% treatment, too, for a longer 72 month term.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV; via Mitsubishi.
One of the first three-row plugin cars to hit the market (and a frequent addition to these 0% lists), Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV offers up to 38 miles of electric range from its 20 kWh li-ion battery, making it a great “lily pad” vehicle for suburban families who want to drive electric but still worry about being able to find a charging station when they need one.
Nissan Ariya
2024 Nissan Ariya; via Nissan.
I’ve already said that the Nissan Ariya didn’t get a fair shake. If you click that link, you’ll read about a car that offers solid driving dynamics, innovative interior design, and all the practicality that makes five-passenger crossovers the must-haves they’ve become for most families. With great discounts available at participating dealers, Supercharger access, and 0% interest from Nissan for up to 72 months, Nissan dealers should have no trouble finding homes for their remaining 2024 Ariya crossovers.
Subaru Soltera
2023 Subaru Soltera; via Subaru.
Despite being something of a slow seller, this mechanical twin of the Toyota bZ4X EV seems like a solid mid-size electric crossover with some outdoorsy vibes and granola style that offers more than enough utility to carry your mountain bikes to the trail or your kayaks to the river. The company is hoping to help clear out its remaining 2024 models with big discounts and 0% financing for up to 72 months.
Tesla Model 3
Model 3 Highland; via Tesla.
Say what you will about Elon Musk – and I say plenty over on the Quick Charge podcast – the fact remains that we wouldn’t be here talking about EVs at all if it wasn’t for his marketing brilliance, bravado, and sheer force of will. Beyond that, Tesla simply offers as superior ownership experience through total software integration, unfettered access to the Supercharger network, and the best EV route-planning software this side of Chargeway.
If you can stomach being associated with Elon (or have an inside line on some spare Honda badges), you can get a new Model 3 for 0% interest or 0.99% with $0 down if you apply the $7,500 Federal tax incentive at the point of purchase.
Volkswagen ID.4
VW ID.4; via Volkswagen.
One of the most popular legacy EVs, the ID.4 offers Volkswagen build quality and (for 2024) a Chat-GPT enabled interface. To keep ID.4 sales rolling, VW dealers are getting aggressive with discounts, making this fast-charging, 291 mile EPA-rated range, 5-star safety rated EV a value proposition that’s tough to beat.
This month, get a Volkswagen ID.4 with 0% financing for up to 72 months plus a $5,000 customer cash bonus to stack with it.
Disclaimer: the vehicle models and financing deals above were sourced from CarsDirect, CarEdge, and (where mentioned) the OEM websites – and were current as of 09MAR2025. These deals may not be available in every market, with every discount, or for every buyer (the standard “with approved credit” fine print should be considered implied). Check with your local dealer(s) for more information.
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Following approval from Transport Canada, EV startup Workhorse will be bringing the W56 and W750 model electric delivery vans to commercial truck dealers in Canada as early as this spring.
“This is a major step forward for Workhorse,” says Josh Anderson, Workhorse’s chief technology officer in a press statement. “Pre-clearance from Transport Canada opens up a large new market for our products throughout Canada, including with fleets that operate across borders in North America.”
Despite that uncertainty, Workhorse execs remain upbeat. “We’re excited that our electric step vans can now reach Canadian roads and highways, providing reliable, zero-emission solutions that customers can depend on,” added Anderson.
Canadian pricing has yet to be announced.
Electrek’s Take
FedEx electric delivery vehicle; via Workhorse.
There’s no other way to say it: the Trump/Musk co-presidency is disrupting a lot of companies’ plans – and that’s especially true across North American borders. But in all this chaos and turmoil there undoubtedly lies opportunity, and it will be interesting to see who ends up on top.
The new Liebherr S1 Vision 140-ton hauler is unlike any heavy haul truck currently on the market – primarily because the giant, self-propelled, single-axle autonomous bucket doesn’t look anything like any truck you’ve ever seen.
Liebherr says its latest heavy equipment concept was born from a desire to rethink truck design with a focus only on core functions. The resulting S1 Vision is primarily just a single axle with two powerful electric motors sending power to a pair of massive airless tires designed carry loads up to 131 tonnes (just over 140 tons).
The design enables rapid maintenance, as important components easily accessible for quick servicing. Wear parts can be replaced efficiently, and the electric drive significantly reduces maintenance work. This helps to minimise downtimes and increases operational efficiency.
LIEBHERR
Because of its versatility, durability, and ability to perform zero-turn maneuvers that other equipment simply can’t, the Liebherr S1 Vision can be adapted for various applications, including earthmoving, mining, and even agriculture. There’s also a nonzero chance of this technology finding applications supporting other on-site equipment through charging or fuel delivery.
The S1 accomplishes that trick safely with the help of an automatic load leveling system that ensures maximum stability, even on bumpy or rough terrain. The company says this technology significantly reduces the risk of tipping while providing smooth and secure operation across various environments.